Business Department

Career Tech (9) .5 Cr. This course provides an introduction to technology within business and provides hands-on experience using computers. Students will learn the introductory concepts of the Microsoft Office Suite, which includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher. In addition, students learn business communication concepts and composition skills through the use of e-mail, letters and memorandums. Students will develop their presentation skills with the use of presentation software and an oral report. In the employability unit, students will research and report on specific career goals and update their Educational Development Plan. They will also develop and submit their job application, resume, references and cover letter. In Publisher, students will develop flyers and business cards. Students will also meet the requirements for the State of Michigan’s online credit requirement.

Introduction to Business (9) .5 Cr. Students will learn about many aspects of owning and operating a business, and gain a deeper understanding of the business world as a whole. Students will gain knowledge about our economy in the United States and learn about economic decisions that businesses and governments face. Other topics will include social responsibility, international business, management, and marketing. In addition, students will get an introduction to personal finance and checking account record keeping. Students will develop their own business throughout the semester and present a business plan and promotional video to the class. This is a great project to begin exploring entrepreneurship while encouraging critical thinking and collaboration with others.

Business Technology I (10-12) 1 Cr.(Pre-requisite – CareerTech)

This course provides students with extensive, hands-on experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. In Word, students will learn to create documents such as resumes, letters and reports and learn to use many of the advanced features of this program. In Excel, students will learn how to develop complex spreadsheets for various financial situations. In PowerPoint, students will learn advanced presentation management skills such as developing slide, shows while building on their ability to give professional presentations. In Access, students will complete database projects that teach students how to create, store, sort and retrieve data in a database. In addition, students will update resumes and cover letters in preparation for a mock interview with Chemical Bank, gaining valuable real world experience in the job application process. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on project based learning.

Business Technology II (11-12) 1 Cr(Pre-requisite – Business Technology I)This course provides students with extensive, hands-on experience in Microsoft Publisher and Adobe Photoshop. In Publisher, students will learn to create and edit various documents while learning the advanced concepts of desktop publishing and graphic design. Students will also complete a comprehensive desktop publishing and graphic design simulation project that provides them with the opportunity to create and develop documents for their own magazine company. In addition, students are able to put their business backgrounds to use by taking over responsibilities for the school store. While managing the school store, students apply business concepts including: product design, financial management, market research, pricing, quality service, advertising, public relations.

Digital Media I (10-12) 1 Cr(Pre-requisite – Career Tech)This course provides an introduction to web and graphic design, video and animation. Topics include coding HTML, css, software environment and the tools, web publishing fundamentals,planning a successful website, typography and graphics, multimedia and interactivity on the web, and testing, publishing, marketing, and maintaining a website.Students will apply the principles of design and learn how to incorporate appropriate color schemes into websites based on the target audience. Students will learn basic skills in graphic design and editing and apply web image techniques to enhance the appearance of websites.Students will utilize digital cameras and video cameras to develop media.In addition, students will learn the fundamentals of animation. Students will have the opportunity to simulate the design of a website for a fictional company called Ultimate Fitness.In addition, students will work on projects related to our school website to gain real world experience while working in collaborative groups.

Digital Media II (11-12) 1 Cr(Pre-requisite – Digital Media I)This course presents advanced concepts, issues and techniques related to designing, developing and deploying websites. During the course, students will learn about web design standards, HTML, and cascading style sheets (CSS). Students will learn how to create sites both manually and through the use of website development software.

Students will follow a project-based curriculum designed to introduce them to web design and development, digital design, video, and animation. The skills attained can be utilized to produce graphics, multimedia, and animation for the web and various industries. Students will develop teamwork and communication, time management and problem-solving skills. In addition, students will develop digital media projects to support real world applications. Real world projects will include the school website, as well as websites for BPA and the Technology Team.

Digital Video and Animation (11-12) 1 Cr.(Pre-requisite – Digital Media I & II)This independent study course taught within Digital Media is designed to introduce students at St. Louis High School to the world of video production. This is a project based class, where students work together in groups, to write, shoot and edit video productions. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in camera operation, script writing, lighting, audio recording and video editing. Students will have the opportunity to create video projects such as Public Service Announcements, School Promotional Videos, Senior Picture Videos, and other projects as assigned. In addition, students will develop advanced skills in strategic planning utilizing hand-held computers.

Accounting I (10-12) 1 CrUnderstanding the financial records of a business is critical in order for business managers and owners to make sound decisions. This course teaches students the basic accounting practices and procedures for operating a sole proprietorship and partnership. Concepts taught will include journalizing, posting, preparation of financial statements, petty cash, special journals, subsidiary ledgers, and payroll. In addition, students will learn about ethics and social responsibility. Emphasis is placed on doing work neatly, efficiently, and accurately. Coursework is done both manually and electronically. We currently hold articulation agreements that will grant college credit at Mid-Michigan Community College and Delta College for students who complete Accounting I and II with a B- or better. See instructor if interested in college credit.

Accounting II (11-12) 1 Cr(Prerequisite Accounting I)This advanced accounting course builds on concepts learned in Accounting I. Work will be done for a business owned as a sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. Topics covered include management accounting, cost accounting and financial analysis. Other specialized topics of uncollectible accounts, depreciation of plant assets, inventory, notes and interest, accrued revenue and expenses, and distributing dividends will also be covered. Students will understand the importance of accurate reporting of accounting information. Because this is an advanced course, the instructor will act as a facilitator and students will be responsible for learning much of the material independently. However, questions will be answered and direction will be given by the instructor.We currently hold articulation agreements that will grant college credit at Mid-Michigan Community College and Delta College for students who complete Accounting I and II with a B- or better. See instructor if interested in college credit.

Co-op (12) .5 Cr. Per SemesterThis is a paid work experience for students wishing to work in the community. Students in co-op will have a class in school that directly relates to their work experience. Students must apply to be on co-op. Placement is based on available work sites. Time cards, weekly assignments, and employer evaluations determine the grade for this class.

Financial Management (11-12) 1 Cr(Prerequisite: Intro to Business)This course is intended to help students understand the impact of individual choices on occupational goals and future earnings potential. Real world topics covered will include income, money management, taxes, spending and credit, goal setting, major purchase decision making, insurance as well as saving and investing. Students will design personal and household budgets; simulate use of checking and saving accounts; demonstrate knowledge of finance, debt, and credit management; and evaluate and understand insurance and taxes. Excel software will be used to perform mathematical calculations necessary to arrive at solutions. This course will provide a foundational understanding for making informed personal financial decisions.